Portia Simpson Miller has been sworn in as Jamaica's first woman prime minister.

Ms. Simpson Miller took the oath of office Thursday in Kingston before hundreds of people. In her inaugural address, the new prime minister pledged to work to rid Jamaica of corruption, extortion, and violent crime, and advance human rights and individual liberties.

Prime Minister Simpson Miller also described her rise to the post as a true manifestation of the Jamaican dream.

The 60-year-old Simpson Miller becomes Jamaica's seventh prime minister. She replaces P.J. Patterson, who stepped down after 14 years in office.

Ms. Simpson Miller was elected head of the ruling People's National Party in February. Because the party holds a majority in parliament, its leader becomes prime minister.